Although Cristiano Ronaldo could've nicked a goal as early as the third minute from the penalty spot, United looked a solid side as they neutralised the Catalan giants potent attack.
With the stakes so high, both teams were happy keeping each other at arm's length and were very cautios in their approach.
In the first half’s final act, Ronaldo was again tripped by Marquez outside the area, and the Mexican was punished with a yellow card which rules him out of next week’s return leg. From the free kick, Ronaldo curled his effort a yard wide of the far post.
At the other end, Wes Brown was alert to block a goal-bound shot from the ever-dangerous Eto’o, while Edwin van der Sar comfortably clutched a low 25-yard free kick from Deco.
Into the second half, Xavi went one better just before the hour mark, hitting the target with a powerful effort from 20 yards, but van der Sar contorted well to hold the Spaniard’s low, deflected shot.
With United so resolute at the back, pot-shots were Barca’s best hope of establishing a lead. Substitute Thierry Henry and Iniesta both tried their luck from distance, but found van der Sar equal to their efforts as the game wound towards its climax.
With 90 decisive minutes to come in Manchester next Tuesday, however, it’s safe to assume that the second course will be a far tastier affair.
News source: http://www.manutd.com/
Pictures courtesy of:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
http://www.football.co.uk/
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